14-71 Clearwater Police Arrest Teenager In Woman's Slaying

8/12/2014 5:36:33 PM

Contact: Rob Shaw

Clearwater Police detectives have charged a teenager in the slaying of the woman whose body was found last weekend adjacent to the Pinellas Trail.

Dewayne Xavier Jones, 18, is being held in the Pinellas County Jail on a charge of first-degree murder. He was booked early this morning and is being held without bail.

Jones is responsible for the death of Lydia Ann Tross, whose body was found Saturday north of Fairmont Street. Robbery is the apparent motive.

Homicide detectives became aware of Jones' involvement in the case when a family member of his found property belonging to Tross in the teen's possession. That family member called police.

Just last month, Jones was arrested by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office on drug charges. He was arrested July 19 on charges of possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana and obstructing or resisting an officer without violence. Jones was released on bond two days later.

Even though Jones is in custody, detectives still are asking for the public's help in the case. Anyone with information in the Tross slaying should call police at 562-4242 or email tips@myclearwater.com.